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Monthly Archives: May 2012
Jody Watley Featured on Afrobella.
Jody Watley on Life, Music, Beauty, Billy B, and Being An Icon | Afrobella
Click to Read: http://www.afrobella.com/2012/05/18/jody-watley-on-life-music-beauty-billy-b-and-being-an-icon/
Love. Influence and Magic. Donna Summer
It was sad news to read Donna Summer has passed away. She is one of my music inspirations. As a dancer on Soul Train as a teen – I was there when she made her debut and subsequent return. All of the dancers were excited to see this mysterious woman with the sexy persona with music that made us dance. When her songs played, the Soul Train set or the clubs would fill with extra enthusiasm.
(dancing to her music in silver lame shorts)
(dancing to her music in white skinny pants)
I understand the “Queen of Disco” label however I feel it marginalizes her place in music history. Not simply “Disco” Donna Summer also ruled “Pop” Music radio and charts for a time. She also brought elements into the mainstream fusing Rock (Hot Stuff) with dance, not to mention pushing the sexual envelope at the time though she quickly determined she didn’t want to get stuck in that box. Summer really worked all genres and was such an inspiration. Being paired with Barbara Streisand for “Enough Is Enough” had to also be one of the first mega-watt pairings of two music superstars. She would continue to intrigue with a host of iconic images to match the music.
Donna Summer’s double albums were and are unparalleled concept albums, few did them better male or female in any genre – her releases for me were events. I couldn’t wait to see the cover art, read the liner notes and listen to the music. “Four Seasons Of Love” is one of my favorite albums. With the freestyle dance “Waacking”, a lot of us were hitting those Giorgio Moroder Donna Summer beats. This continues for the new young global set of kids learning and doing the dance – Donna Summer’s music is a must.
From my point of view she was an underrated singer and songwriter in the midst of her legendary career.
When I signed my solo deal with MCA, Jheryl Busby the executive who signed me, had worked with Donna Summer in promotions during her Casablanca years. When I started telling him my ideas and concepts, Jheryl totally understood and supported my vision. Why? In part because of his history with Donna and Casablanca. When he revealed his work with her, it made me feel at ease with him. In essence, she was indirectly a part of my decision to sign with MCA. We were connected through him.
Donna Summer’s music is a part of the soundtrack of my life along with millions of other’s around the world. As a fellow veteran artist in this business and continued fan of her work I know that she continued to create quality music up through her last full length ‘Crayons’ and single ‘To Paris With Love’ a couple of years ago.
The current dominance of dance music that young artists have jumped on is rooted in disco. Electro / techno roots is simply another extension of the form and so I hope they know she’s another artist whose shoulders they stand on. As Brian Eno told David Bowie upon hearing “I Feel Love” in Berlin- “I have heard the sound of the future..”
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. I will continue to celebrate the amazing magic, connection and joy from her music legacy and life.
Thank you Donna Summer. Rest in Peace.
Today’s Musings.
“I got my start by giving myself a start.” – Madame C.J. Walker
I love that quote by visionary entrepreneur Madame C.J. Walker. I was talking to my son yesterday having a great discussion on the take-away message from a classic book he’d read. In all things I believe there is a teachable moment or pearl of wisdom to be learned if simply a discovery about one’s self.
Reading this quote, my take-away is to never let anyone diminish you or attempt put a damper on your self-worth, dreams, goals or achievement. Never allow permission for that understanding the role of non-believers – it’s your life and not everyone will be on board with where you may aspire to go. Along the way to pursuing your whatever it is you strive for – expect obstacles which may come in the form of people and or barriers of many types (sexism, racism, ageism, classism, envy and so on). Overcome these things, learn from the experience or lessons and move on -most of all always give yourself the best chance to succeed!
Jody Watley. Waacking Freestyle Dance
I’m not a trained dancer, singer nor writer – I do them all from my soul with my own distinct feel and style much like an improvisational jazz musician. There is a joy in dancing no matter the style. I’ve always loved it and always will – watching and doing.
It’s so incredible to see ‘Waacking’ continue to grow with a younger generation around the world. You just search Youtube, ‘Waacking’ and you will find battles and performances going on globally; fused with other elements including Hip-Hop, Propeller (created by Princess ‘Lockeroo’ Samara Cohen), Voguing, Punking and so on. The origins of ‘Waacking’ date back to the 70’s, my teen era. I was amongst a few girls who were doing it on the show; and was a member of dance troupe ‘The Outrageous Waack Dancers’, along with other Soul Train alums Tyrone Procter, Cleveland Moses Jr., and my former Shalamar colleague Jeffrey Daniel.
Jody Watley and “The Outrageous Waack Dancers”
Viva la dance!
Quote of The Day.
Quote
If daily you feel a sense of gratitude for the blessings of this life it will be a cushion & buffer when challenges arise. -Rose W-T